Director of Philanthropy

The Arc of Massachusetts (https://thearcofmass.org/)

Enhancing the lives of people with disabilities

Job Description

Director of Philanthropy, The Arc of Massachusetts

ABOUT THE ARC OF MASSACHUSETTS

The Arc of Massachusetts (The Arc) is passionate about enhancing the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, and their families. For over 70 years, The Arc has focused on creating tangible changes in the lives of people with disabilities through advocacy and programs that promote inclusion and belonging in the community.

The Arc is part of a nationwide federation, with a statewide chapter and 17 local chapters serving communities across the Commonwealth. Together, they provide services, advocacy, and support to more than 250,000 individuals statewide.

At a pivotal moment of organizational growth and leadership transition, The Arc is investing in a more strategic, relationship-driven fundraising model to strengthen its impact and long-term sustainability.

This role is based in Waltham, MA. Learn more about The Arc of Massachusetts here.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

The Director of Philanthropy is a leadership role responsible for leading a multi-year transformation of The Arc’s fundraising function. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, this leader will inform and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy that strengthens systems, deepens relationships, and drives sustainable revenue growth.

This role will guide the organization’s transition to a more intentional, relationship-centered fundraising model grounded in strong infrastructure, clear ownership, and compelling storytelling.

This is a highly visible, hands-on role for a strategic builder who thrives in complex, mission-driven environments and is excited to shape and scale a growing development program.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership & Fundraising Transformation

  • Lead a multi-year transformation of The Arc’s fundraising function, strengthening systems, culture, and accountability.
  • Design and implement an integrated fundraising strategy focused on major gifts, institutional giving, and diversified revenue growth.
  • Translate organizational priorities, advocacy impact, and systems-change work into compelling, fundable initiatives.
  • Establish multi-year fundraising goals, benchmarks, and performance metrics aligned with organizational strategy.
  • Position fundraising as a core driver of organizational sustainability and growth.


Revenue Generation & Portfolio Management

  • Manage approximately $2 million revenue goal by overseeing all contributed revenue streams, including major gifts, mid-level and annual giving, foundations, corporate and agency sponsors, and special events.
  • Build and manage the major gifts and institutional pipeline with defined ownership and clear cultivation strategies.
  • Personally manage a portfolio of high-capacity individual and foundation donors.
  • Partner closely with the CEO in donor meetings, cultivation visits, and solicitations, serving as a strategic thought partner and frontline relationship builder.
  • Implement consistent segmentation, engagement cadences, and stewardship practices across donor categories.
  • Drive strategic year-over-year growth in major and institutional giving.


Team Leadership & Organizational Development

  • Manage a team of two including a Development Operations Associate and a to-be-hired Manager of Development. 
  • Lead, mentor, and develop the fundraising team, including frontline fundraisers and operations staff.
  • Clarify roles, workflows, and accountability across development functions.
  • Foster a culture of collaboration, learning, and results-oriented practice.
  • Partner with communications and program leadership to align messaging, data, and donor engagement.
  • Recruit and onboard additional development capacity as needed.


Systems, Operations & Infrastructure

  • Strengthen and maintain clear, repeatable fundraising systems, including CRM usage, reporting, forecasting, and pipeline management.
  • Ensure accurate data, timely reporting, and effective use of analytics.
  • Partner with finance leadership to align revenue projections, budgets, and long-term financial planning.
  • Oversee development operations, gift processing, and compliance with best practices.
  • Lead continuous improvement of fundraising tools and processes.


CEO, Board & Volunteer Engagement

  • Serve as a strategic advisor to the CEO on fundraising priorities and donor relationships.
  • Equip and coach the CEO and Board to play high-leverage roles in cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
  • Develop and manage board fundraising expectations, training, and engagement strategies.
  • Support volunteer leadership for events, campaigns, and special initiatives.


External Relations & Partnership Building

  • Build and sustain long-term relationships with major donors, foundations, corporate partners, and public-sector stakeholders.
  • Represent The Arc in philanthropic, advocacy, and systems-change networks.
  • Lead the development of high-quality proposals and impact reports.
  • Position The Arc as a leading statewide advocacy organization worthy of major philanthropic investment.
  • Partner with local chapters to align fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and role clarity across the Commonwealth.


KEY QUALIFICATIONS

  • Deep commitment to advancing the rights, inclusion, and well-being of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in nonprofit management, public administration, social work, or related field preferred, or equivalent experience.
  • Minimum of 8–10 years of progressively responsible fundraising experience, including senior-level leadership.
  • Demonstrated success growing major gifts and institutional fundraising programs.
  • Experience leading organizational change and building fundraising systems in complex environments.
  • Strong people leadership and project management skills.
  • Proven ability to partner effectively with executive leadership and boards to drive results.
  • Experience fundraising for advocacy, systems-change, or policy-oriented work preferred.
  • Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and disability justice.


CORE COMPETENCIES

  • Strategic Builder: Designs scalable systems and translates vision into execution.
  • Relationship-Centered Leader: Builds trust with donors, staff, and volunteers.
  • Change Manager: Navigates ambiguity and growth with clarity and empathy.
  • Hands-On Operator: Comfortable balancing strategy with frontline fundraising.
  • Collaborative Partner: Works effectively across departments and chapters.
  • Results-Oriented: Uses data to drive performance and continuous improvement.
  • Compelling Communicator: Articulates impact with clarity and authenticity.


SALARY AND BENEFITS

The salary range for this opportunity is $115,000 - $135,000 commensurate with experience. The Arc of Massachusetts offers a comprehensive benefits package, and a culture that values and promotes work/life balance.

This role is full-time in the Waltham office for the first three months, and then hybrid with one day per week remote.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The Arc of Massachusetts is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The Arc of Massachusetts provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

TO APPLY

Please submit your resume and cover letter to hiring@arcmass.org.